This article is provided by: Go-Forth Pest Control
The Kansas City Royals, winners of last season’s World Series, have bid farewell to any hopes of reiterating their previous season’s success. However, the reason might surprise you…
Rally Mantis has died.
(We recommend you read the remainder of this post while listening to “In The Arms Of An Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. And because we love you, we’ve provided the LINK HERE)
This is almost as bad as the time Randy Johnson nailed that bird with a 105 mph pitch, giving ornithologists all over the world a collective mass stroke.
Rally Mantis first debuted alongside the Royals after he was discovered lingering in one of the many trash receptacles of Kauffman Stadium. Outfielder, turned brief entomologist, Billy Burns became the unofficial keeper of the mantis, allowing him to ride along on his hat and even sleeping next to the insect (which is a matter we feel needs to be investigated separately).
As the magic of Rally Mantis proliferated the stadium, fans even found themselves moved by his mysterious aura as his presence helped the team go 5-1.
The Royals even bought him a tiny traveling cage, so that he could hit the road with them:
But, despite their best efforts and provision of what was arguably considered “luxury insect housing,” Rally Mantis ascended to the big trashcan in the sky on Friday.
Ed Volquez, the Royals’ pitcher, released this incredibly sentimental and moving statement regarding the passing of the mantis:
“He gone. We need a new one.”
As you can see, emotions are running high.
Below is an emotional tribute to Rally Mantis, posted on the Twitter account of Royals Team Member, Dillon Gee.
Take a Sec and watch this video! Video credit: Danny Duffy. pic.twitter.com/JT4745RgeC
— Dillon Gee (@DillonGee35) August 13, 2016
Although RM is gone, the Royals will not go quietly into that good night. In a recent turn of events, the ballplayers have taken the stance of Volquez and procured a “new one.”
Rally Mantis Jr., a new praying mantis, joined the team this week and its members are taking every step to make sure he’s here to stay.
“I want to take care of him,” Burns said. “He’s part of our team now.”
You can find Rally Mantis Jr. enjoying his new home in the Royals’ dugout. But, will he bring about the same good fortune as his predecessor?
